Interpretive Summary: A goat model in which cleft palate is induced by a plant alkaloid was used to determine the contractile properties of the specific muscle responsible for normal function of the tongue and throat. It was determined that the muscle fibers differ in their strength, size and function between the normal and cleft palate goats. This model provides information that is important in treatment and management of the cleft palate patient.

Technical Abstract:
A goat model in which cleft palate is induced by the plant alkaloid, anabasine was used to determine muscle fiber integrity of the levator veli palatine (LVP) muscle. It was determined that muscle fiber type, size, and sensitivity to contraction-induced injury was different between cleft palate induced goat kids and those with normal palates. This is important in the development of a functional LVP muscle after surgical repair of cleft palates in children.